A policy on teaching the fourth language in Army Public Schools (APS) has created a controversy in Punjab with parents and activists accusing the Army Welfare Education Society (AWES) of sidelining Punjabi in favour of Sanskrit. The controversy erupted after the APS sent out messages to the parents asking them to submit a consent form if they wanted their wards to study Punjabi language. “Parents are informed that Sanskrit language is compulsory for the academic session 2026-27. Students who wish to tale Punjabi language as additional subject need to bring the consent form duly filled and signed by parents,” the schools said in messages sent to parents on May 5. As per the message, the language will be taught and a dedicated teacher will be provided only if sufficient numbers of students — reportedly a minimum threshold of around 15 — opt for it.…